German Conversation · Level 6
90 words
German word
Elite
Pronunciation
IPA/eˈliːtə/
Meaning
- feminine nounelite
Example
In großen Städten lebt oft die Elite der Gesellschaft.
In large cities, the elite of society often lives.
More examples
Die politische Elite beeinflusst oft die Entscheidungsprozesse.
The political elite often influences decision-making processes.
Core concept
A small, highly selected group stands above the wider population through ability, training, or social position.
Common phrases
politische Elite
political elite
wirtschaftliche Elite
economic elite
kulturelle Elite
cultural elite
Similar words
Oberschicht: A wealthy, socially advantaged class with a higher standard of living.
Spitze: The few people at the highest level of a field or group.
Führungsschicht: The upper layer responsible for decisions and management in an organization or society.
Prominenz: A group of famous people who attract public attention.
Definition in German
Elite bezeichnet eine ausgewählte Gruppe von Personen, die sich durch besondere Fähigkeiten, Ausbildung oder Stellung von der Mehrheit unterscheiden.
Word origin
German borrowed Elite from French élite, which developed from Latin eligere, meaning 'to choose'.
Usage tips
- Elite is a feminine noun, so the usual phrase is die Elite; its plural Eliten refers to several such groups.
Other meanings
- creamnoun
- ruling classnoun
Opposites
- Massemassnoun
- Pöbelrabblenoun
Related words
- elitärelitistadjective
- Elitismuselitismnoun